The Jiyue 07, the second model from the Geely-Baidu joint venture, has officially been launched claiming to be the world’s first mass-produced L4 autonomous capable car.
It features the latest version of the Baidu Apollo 2.0 high-end intelligent driving system, a perception-based ADAS that relies only on cameras and sensors without using lidar units, and one that has almost certainly benefitted from the experience of Baidu’s very own robotaxi network.
First previewed at the Guangzhou auto show in 2022, the 07 is a rather stunning four-door electric saloon based on Geely’s SEA platform, and comes equipped with either 400- or 800-volt platforms depending on the number of motors.
At just under five-metres long, it sits somewhere between a Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class in stature, and manages to squeeze in a wheelbase of just over 3-metres long.
It’s also particularly aerodynamic, it’s sleek and sculpted body producing a drag coefficient of just 0.198 Cd, supported by electric doors that open via buttons on the B- and C-pillars.
At launch, three variants of the 07 will be sold, with the base variant being a single-motor standard range version that will retail underneath the magic 200,000 RMB threshold at just 199,900 RMB (around $28,100).
This version uses a 71.44kWh battery to achieve 660km of range on the generous CLTC cycle, and features a 200kW motor on the rear axle producing 343Nm of torque, the same motor previously used on the first-generation Zeekr 001.
The longer range variant uses a 100kWh NMC battery from CATL, likely the same Qilin battery found in the Zeekr 007, to achieve an impressive 880km of range, and will retail from just 219,900 RMB (around $31,000).
At the top-end is a dual-motor performance variant. This model utilises the 800-volt version of the platform and sports a larger 300kW motor on the rear axle, and an additional 230kW motor on the front, for a total of 530kW, or a staggering 710hp in old money.
It’ll sprint from 0-100kph in 3.5 seconds and uses a slightly smaller 93.4kWh NMC battery for a claimed range of 770km. This version retails at 289,900 RMB (around $40,800).
Inside, the 07 features a bold interior very similar to that of the Jiyue 01, with an eye-catching 35.6-inch touchscreen that stretches about 75% of the width of the dashboard, and that can be split into three sections or used full-screen for features like built-in games. The 07 even uses a yoke steering wheel to improve visibility of the screen.
In addition to the front screen, there’s an additional 7-inch screen in the back for rear passengers to control various functions, including the tri-zone climate control.
All of this is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8295P processor which enables slick operation and processing of high-end graphics, as well as supporting the SIMO AI voice assistant that can process natural dialogue commands.
It’s unclear if the 07 features a frunk, though we suspect it will, but trunk space is quite plentiful at 581-litres, increasing to 1,573-litres with the rear seats folded down.
Showing his support for the model, the first official customer was none other than CEO of CATL, Robin Zeng, who received his keys live on stage at the launch event.
He’ll no doubt be looking forward to trying out the autonomous driving system which should be fully operational across China by the end of 2024, and that will be sold either via a one-time payment or on a subscription basis.
